Harvard 15, USMMA 4

With one loss already, Harvard entered its next game against the United States Merchant Marine Academy in a must-win situation.

Renewing a battle with the Academy, Harvard expected a rough and dirty game similar to the 12-5 victory a few weeks ago.

In that game the outcome was marred by several players who received game ejections for illegal play. Ready for battle and playing with a sense of urgency, Harvard responded with a dominating 15-4 victory.

Led by excellent play from Bliesath and a suffocating defense, the Crimson quickly took care of the physical but unskilled Merchant Marine.

Playing well and beginning to gel in its final tune-up before its most crucial match of the weekend, the Crimson then turned its attention to the St. Francis team that stood between it and Northerns.

St. Francis 15, Harvard 9

With Harvard sporting a 2-1 record entering the final game of the tournament, it was clear what was necessary to qualify. A win and the Crimson was in; a loss and who knew what might happen.

Led by a spectacular performance from Zimmerman, Harvard played well against a strong St. Francis team. In the end, however, St. Francis simply proved too good for the Crimson to rest its post-season hopes on as they prevailed 15-9.

"We fought hard and played solidly, but it just wasn't enough," Zimmerman said.

With its postseason hopes dependent on somebody else, Harvard laments on what could have been.

"We played well most of the time, but at key points when we needed to play as a team, we just fell apart," sophomore standout Jeremy Katz said. "It's disappointing because we all know how to play, we just can't put it together."

This weekend the Crimson takes a break from its East Coast rivals and travels to Claremont, California to get a taste of some West Coast water polo action.

Katz, a Californian himself, had his spirits raised when the trip was mentioned.

"We get to play outdoors," Katz said. "Sunshine, actual people in the stands; it'll be fun."